Repression: Unconsciously forgetting or blocking out thoughts, emotions or memories that are considered unacceptable or painful.
Example: A person who experienced a traumatic event in their childhood may repress the memory of it and have difficulty recalling the details later in life.
Regression: Reverting to an earlier stage of development or behaving in a childlike manner in order to cope with stress or anxiety.
Example: A college student who is stressed about upcoming exams may start sucking their thumb or carrying around a stuffed animal.
Reaction formation: Expressing the opposite of one's true feelings in order to conceal or manage unacceptable impulses.
Example: A person who has repressed their feelings of anger towards their boss may go out of their way to be excessively friendly and accommodating to them.
Projection: Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else.
Example: A person who is in denial about their own jealousy towards their partner may accuse their partner of being jealous or possessive.
Rationalization: Justifying or excusing one's behavior or feelings in a way that avoids acknowledging underlying fears or conflicts.
Example: A person who is trying to quit smoking may rationalize their decision to have "just one more cigarette" by telling themselves that they will quit tomorrow.
Displacement: Redirecting one's unacceptable feelings or impulses onto a less threatening target.
Example: A person who is angry at their boss but cannot express it may come home and yell at their spouse over something minor.
Denial: Refusing to acknowledge or accept an uncomfortable reality, thought, or feeling.
Example: A person who has a drinking problem may deny that they have a problem, despite clear evidence of the negative impact it is having on their life